Prospects for a direct dark matter search using high resistivity CCD detectors

TL;DR

This paper explores the potential of using high resistivity CCD detectors, like DECam, for low-threshold direct dark matter detection, highlighting their low noise, large volume, and promising detection capabilities.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of using DECam CCDs for dark matter searches and evaluates their performance and potential sensitivity in this application.

Findings

DECam CCDs have low noise and large depleted volume suitable for dark matter detection.

Ionization efficiency for nuclear recoils in DECam CCDs has been measured.

Plans for the CELB experiment aim to assess the detectors' reach in dark matter searches.

Abstract

The possibility of using CCD detectors in a low threshold direct detection dark matter search experiment is discussed. We present the main features of the DECam detectors that make them a good alternative for such an experiment, namely their low noise and their large depleted volume. The performance of the DECam CCDs for the detection of nuclear recoils is discussed, and a measurement of the ionization efficiency for these events is presented. Finally the plans and expected reach for the CCD Experiment at Low Background (CELB) are discussed.